Happy 21st birthday Phoebe, and good luck to all Team Australia members in Loano

Phoebe defends world records
Alex Oates, Geelong Advertiser, October 11th, 2012

Record-breaking Geelong swimmer Phoebe Mitchell is preparing for world glory.

Mitchell, who turns 21 tomorrow, will compete at the sixth World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Loano, Italy, from November 17-22.

About 300 competitors from 20 countries are expected to take part, with Team Australia comprising 23 athletes.

Australia has competed in the past four championships, winning the Best Team award for the past two.

Australia will be seeking its third Best Team award, but is up against some of the world's best in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Mitchell, who swims with the Geelong Swimming Club, holds 12 Down syndrome world records and has competed in the championships since 2008 ... read the full story in the Geelong Advertiser here.

• Press release from Down Syndrome Down Under Swimming Organisation on the rationale for events specifically for people with Down syndrome